August 4

A New and Unsettling Force: Inspiration from the Poor People’s Campaign – Karen Hicks, Beth Taylor and Nancy Weston, Presenters

These three Social Action Committee members attended the Poor People’s Moral Action Congress in DC last month. Organized by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber (Repairers of the Breach) and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis (Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice), the event included a 2020 Presidential Candidates’ Forum, Workshops and Fusion Tracks, stirring music and livestreaming of the House Budget Committee where leaders from the Poor People’s Campaign testified, asking for a National Call for Moral Revival.

 

August 11

Weaponized Evangelicalism – Steve Wiggins, Presenter

How did Donald Trump secure the support of conservative Christians, given his personality and lifestyle? What is evangelicalism anyway? A brief history of evangelicalism and a discussion of how it became political will be this session’s topic.

 

August 18

The Abolitionists 1854-1865 – Cari Poole, Presenter

In this superb historical PBS conclusion, these years were filled with violence, hatred and despair, as the ever tension of slavery became more inevitable for the country. The Manifest Destiny, Dred Scott Decision, Harper’s Ferry, election of Lincoln and Emancipation Proclamation are highlighted. Above all was the determination and courage of Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, John Brown that led the country to a restored union and the 13th Amendment, banning slavery.

 

August 25

Thomas Paine – “The Most Valuable Englishman Ever” – Victor Madeson, Presenter

After siding with the rebels for American independence with his patriotic “these are the times that try men’s souls” words and other famous writings, this much overlooked British political activist and hero, Thomas Paine, went on to inspire the French Revolution advancing worldwide democracy and human rights. His early life in England and influence during our American Revolution is dramatically revealed in this 1982 BBC production. Our nearby Thomas Paine UU church is attributed to him.

 

If you are interested in leading a discussion or for more information, please contact Cari Poole or anyone of our Breakfast Forum volunteers, Frank Stone, Fred Bomberger, John Kennedy and Dan Poresky.  If you would like to be added or removed from the Breakfast Forum email list, please email your request to Cari Poole.